Mammal-Fungi Interactions in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Summary
Mammal–fungi interactions encompass a spectrum of ecological processes that underpin nutrient cycling, plant health and forest regeneration. Many terrestrial fungi produce fruiting bodies either above ground or hypogeously, relying on mammals for consumption and subsequent spore dispersal. Small mammals such as rodents and marsupials often target truffle-like ectomycorrhizal fungi, aiding the colonisation of tree roots and sustaining mutualistic symbioses that enhance water and nutrient uptake. Larger mammals, including wild boar and bears, contribute to fungal dispersal over broader scales and can influence the composition of fungal communities through foraging behaviour. These mycophagous activities not only facilitate fungal reproduction but also support mammalian nutrition, establishing a bidirectional benefit. The spatial patterns of spore deposition by mammals shape fungal diversity, connectivity and resilience in the face of habitat alteration and climate change. Understanding these interactions offers insights into ecosystem restoration, the management of fungal diseases and the optimisation of truffle cultivation systems.
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Mammal-Fungi Interactions in Terrestrial Ecosystems publication trend
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Technical terms
Mycophagy: The act of consuming fungal fruiting bodies by animals, essential for spore dispersal in many hypogeous fungi.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi: Fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant roots, facilitating nutrient exchange and enhancing plant health.
Hypogeous fungi: Fungi whose fruiting bodies develop below the soil surface, relying on animal vectors to access and disperse their spores.
Spore dispersal: The movement of fungal reproductive units, often via animal ingestion or adhesion, critical for colonisation of new substrates.
References
- The interrelationship of mycophagous small mammals and ectomycorrhizal fungi in primeval, disturbed and managed Central European mountainous forests. Oecologia (2012).
- Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities are dominated by mammalian dispersed truffle-like taxa in north-east Australian woodlands. Mycorrhiza (2019).
- Modeling mycorrhizal fungi dispersal by the mycophagous swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor). Ecology and Evolution (2020).
- Is small mammal mycophagy relevant for truffle cultivation?. Acta Mycologica (2013).
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